Page 22 of Chaos
“Are you sure about Viper’s?” I duck my head as I lean against his window. “Just a couple of drinks?”
“Next time. See you tomorrow. Don’t forget, we got a date with the boss in the morning.” Nikolai takes off, leaving me in front of the Luxor pyramid.
Walking distance to Viper’s Pit. They have the best bands and the hottest waitresses I’ve found.
I need both today.
The bass from the speakers vibrates through me as I step through the heavy doors before the wall of sound tries to push me out.
Fuck yeah, SACRED is playing tonight. I can tear some shit up in the pit.
“Hello, handsome. The usual?” A short, bouncy blonde saddles up to me with an empty tray propped under her arm.
“Hey, Rhonnie. Yeah, make it a double.” I just want to lose myself in the music for a while so I can pass the hell out tonight.
“Sure thing. Hey, you sticking around for a while?” She chews on her bottom lip and twirls the end of her hair around her finger.
“Yeah, but going home alone. I got shit to do in the morning.” Mikhail would kill me if I showed up late. He doesn’t have a lot of rules, but he demands respect.
She pouts, then shakes her head. “No. I was just hoping us girls could hang tight tonight. There’s a rowdy bunch in.” Her chin juts toward a group of tables near the back.
Four big guys sit in a shadowed booth, loudly calling out to her.
I can hear them yelling over the screaming of the lead singer.
“I’ll watch your back. Just keep the drinks flowing.” Working my way through the thick push of people, I find a spot near the wall where I can see the band and watch the guys at the same time.
Rhonnie shows up with a red-headed waitress in tow. Both of their trays are loaded with beers and shots.
“Here, hon. Thanks for keeping tabs.” She leans over far enough for me to see her nipples poking out over her low cut shirt. Her mouth twists into a seductive smile and she gives me a slow wink.
“Not tonight.” I have no interest in her level of drama.
“Well, I am still glad you’re here.” Her shoulders draw back, and she takes her partner with her into the den of thugs in the back of the room.
Whistles and catcalls break up the lyrics, but I do my best to ignore them.
It’s only when one of the girls cries out that I rip my eyes off the stage.
One of the bald gorillas against the wall has the redhead pinned across his lap and she’s struggling to get up.
“Hey, fucknut! Leave her alone. She doesn’t want your ugly ass.” I throw one of my empty bottles in his general direction. The shattering glass makes him lift his head and meet my stare.
He stands, letting the waitress slide off of his thighs and land on the hard floor.
“What the hell did you say to me?” His long beard ripples with every word.
I knock my chair back as I jump to my feet.
I’m always ready for a fight.
“Do I need to sound it out for you? Or leave a row of bumps across your forehead so you can read it in braille?” One last swallow of my drink gives me another possible missile to launch at his sweating dome.
The large man takes a deep breath and his fists rise in front of his chest.
“Wait, wait. I got this.” A smaller guy with curly dark hair jumps between us, holding his palms up to the pissed off brute.
When the shorter one turns to me, he flashes a big smile. “Jax Carter. Never thought I’d see you here.” His light footsteps carry him closer.